Exploring the Neurogenic Potential of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSCs) following the Inhibition of BMP signaling

PI: Dr. Jonaki Sen

PI: Dr. Nibedita Lenka, National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune

Co-PI: Dr. Amitabha Bandyopadhyay

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are a source of adult stem cells that have the potential of undergoing trans-differentiation into multiple cell types including neurons. Thus, they could be utilized for treatment of degenerative diseases of the nervous system where the lost neurons are replaced by new neurons derived from BMSCs. Prior to the initiation of this project we observed that genetic depletion of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP) signaling in mouse BMSCs results in their trans-differentiation into neuron-like cells. This observation served as the motivation to initiate this project through which we propose to extensively characterize these neuron-like cells derived from BMSCs after inhibition of BMP signaling. In this context we also propose to examine the interaction of Wnt signaling with BMP signaling in collaboration with Dr. Nibedita Lenka from NCCS, Pune. This study will open up many therapeutic avenues where BMSCs can be used as a readily available source to produce neurons of the desired kind on providing the appropriate molecular environment.